Dear RCC members,

At our AGM in November 2018 there was some discussion about the display of Registration Marks and in certain cases concerns were voiced about formal correspondence received by yacht owners.  The committee has been endeavouring to clarify the situation.  At that time, the class captain Mels Farrar wrote to the Broads Authority seeking assurances.

The class welcomed representatives from the B.A. and the NSBA at our January committee meeting, where we were able to discuss this situation in more detail.  Since then a small group of the main committee has met with the B.A. on two occasions during February.   For both parties this has been rewarding, with constructive dialogue resulting in clarification that benefits both the RCC membership and the officers of the B.A.

Below, you will see an updated excerpt from the B.A. Display of Registration Marks document, which is the result of our engagement with the B.A. - We are very grateful to have had this opportunity and have also developed some suggestions of our own for RCC owners. These bullet points complement the B.A. requirements, and if followed ensure that your vessel meets the requirements to display Registration Marks and at all times be identifiable.
 
Broads Authority - Display of Registration Marks document (sect 6)


 
River Cruiser Class - 'Best practice'
 
In addition to the guidance in Section 6, Broads Authority 'Display of Registration Marks' we recommend the following to our members;
1.     All yachts should have their registration numbers displayed on their bows, or on a board mounted below the bowsprit.
2.     As a class, all R.C.C. registered yachts should display their name on the transom, excluding yachts with long, low counter sterns or those with canoe sterns.
3.     Whenever the name of your yacht is obscured, such as when motoring - we strongly recommend that owners either display Registration Marks which are visible from astern, or display their Registration Marks on the outboard motor cowling, so that a vessel may be readily identified.
4.     All R.C.C. members should keep both the class and the Broads Authority appraised of changes in ownership (inc. contact details) as soon as possible.
 
If you need a duplicate set of Registration Mark stickers, these are available directly from the Broads Authority.
 
As a committee, we hope that this resolves any queries or concerns that you have had regarding the display of Registration Marks.  Also, we appreciate your support in following the B.A. requirements and our own suggestions on this matter.
 
Best regards
James Dugdale
RCC Captain.

From the Broads Authority:

"Text us to find out the predicted best time to reach Great Yarmouth when crossing Breydon Water. We are trialling this new method during May and June. Text ‘Tide’ to 60777 to receive the predicted low slack water times at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station, and the time of sunset for the day of the request and the following day. The cost is 6p plus your standard message rate."

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Would all club members and visitors participating in club races, or other organised water-borne club activities, please note that with immediate effect the committee strongly recommend the wearing of personal flotation devices whilst you are active on the water.

Additionally, you are reminded of ISAF Rule 1.2 which states, “Each competitor is individually responsible for wearing a personal flotation device adequate for the conditions."

Officers of the Day may make it mandatory for life jackets or similar to be worn while racing, with the penalty for not doing so being disqualification from the race in question.

This is for your own safety and all skippers and boat owners should ensure sufficient personal buoyancy aids for all crew members are carried on board at all times.

The following has been issued by the Broads Authority:

Due to the ongoing works being carried out by BESL (Broadland Environmental Services Limited) on behalf of the Environment Agency, and in conjunction with exceptionally high water levels, the following advice is given to all boat users:

· Keep well away from the edge of riverbanks - piling that is normally visible can be covered during project works and certain weather and water levels conditions.

· If in any doubt, sailing craft should tack short to avoid any potential hazards.

· Take note of any port and starboard marks and keep seaward of any temporary red warning markers denoting a potential hazard or obstruction. Be wary and keep clear of any work vessels, rigs, cranes, digger arms, barges and ground anchors.

· Check any area thoroughly before you attempt to moor and do not be tempted to moor where instructed not to do so.

· Boats must give way to towed or heavily loaded vessels or vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre - only overtake when advised by the skipper of the vessel.

· Report any new hazards or obstructions to the Broads Authority River Control on 01692 678459.

This advice applies until further notice.